Komento, a standout from Wasnan Racing, demonstrated an impressive performance during and after his race, establishing himself as a promising 3-year-old contender for the Triple Crown. He delivered a dominant six-and-three-quarter-length victory in the $175,000 Mucho Macho Man at Gulfstream Park on Saturday.
The Mucho Macho Man race, held on the main track over a mile, marks Gulfstream’s initial step towards the $1 million Curlin Florida Derby (G1) set for March 28th, specifically for 3-year-olds.
Commandment ($3), ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr. and trained by Brad Cox, kicked off his sophomore season two months after finishing second in a seven-furlong maiden special at Churchill Downs. Ortiz had previously finished fourth in his debut at Keeneland on October 4, running six furlongs. Commandment has consistently delivered strong performances in all his starts.
Cox praised the horse’s progress, explaining that they took things step by step, furlong by furlong, and Commandment responded well. As the 1-2 favorite in a seven-horse field, he started from the rail, saving ground to place fourth while the pace was led by Kabul and Epic Summer. Midway through the race, Epic Summer took the lead, but Ortiz skillfully maneuvered Commandment to advance.
Ortiz mentioned that Commandment isn’t a great starter but once he found his rhythm, the horse performed excellently, saving ground and finishing strongly. Commandment took the lead in the final stretch, pulling away to finish in 1:38.23, showing plenty of energy beyond the finish line.
Ortiz expressed confidence in Commandment, praising his condition and mental strength. He believed the horse had potential from the day he rode him and appreciated his wins at Churchill and now at Gulfstream.
Roger That Dana closed well to finish second at long odds, just behind Thunder Chuck. Other finishers included Max Capacity, Epic Summer, Tripp’s Promise, and Cabourg. Mr. Jasself and Mr. Hooligan, contenders in a recent allowance race, did not fare well.
Commandment’s commanding victory tied the stakes record set in 2013 by It’s My Lucky Day when the race was known as the Gulfstream Park Derby. Commandment is sired by Into Mischief, a leading sire, with notable lineage from Sippican Harbor and Orb. Bred in Kentucky by Lee Pokoik, he was purchased for $500,000 as a yearling at the 2024 Keeneland September Sale.
Trainer Cox is currently undecided on Commandment’s future races, with upcoming Gulfstream stakes including the $250,000 Holy Bull (G3) on Jan. 31 and the $400,000 Fountain of Youth (G2) on Feb. 28, both at 1 1/16 miles. He hinted that they might aim for longer distances given Commandment’s potential.
Mucho Macho Man, trained by Kathy Ritvo and backed by Reeves Thoroughbred Racing and Stronach Stables, has enjoyed a strong fanbase through his career, winning nine of 25 races including the 2013 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) and the 2012 Gulfstream Park Handicap (G2).
Fan Take: Commandment’s emphatic victory not only hints at a new horse to watch in the Triple Crown series but also showcases the exciting depth of talent emerging in the sport. For horse racing fans, this win signals thrilling prospects ahead and underscores why Gulfstream Park remains a pivotal stage for rising stars.
